First, I have strong Oklahoma City connections. Not only do I have relatives there, but my uncle by marriage, Walter Munford Harrison, was a legendary managing editor of the Daily Oklahoman for many years (and president of the ASNE as well). Oklahoma City is a family seat second only to Chicago for the Waters clan.

Secondly, hockey (”ice hockey” is redundant) is my favorite sport. Cousin though I am of Cubs Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett, and Bears fanatic though I am, my congenital first love will always be the Chicago Blackhawks, at whose Chicago Stadium games my parents courted.

I am delighted that the world’s finest sport is making an impact in one of my favorite American cities.